Reward in coyote death grows

VISTA  The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals announced Thursday that it will contribute $2,500 toward a reward being offered by local authorities in the case of a coyote killed in a snare trap in Vista.

A Vista resident found the coyote in his backyard caught in the illegal trap on Nov. 19 .

The San Diego Humane Society said last week it would offer a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the culprit in the case. Wildlife officials are investigating the incident.

Snare traps are typically made of cable or wire nooses that grip the animal.

Authorities said the animal had been nearly severed at the waist and died from its injuries.

PETA Director Martin Merserau said the traps are cruel and can kill other innocent animals.

“In addition to being extremely cruel, such traps are also indiscriminate — every year dogs, cats, birds, and other animals are killed or maimed in traps similar to this one,” Mersereau said. “Whoever is responsible deserves jail time.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities by email investigations@sdhumane.org or by calling (619) 243-3466.